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Mario Hezonja Returns to NBA, Signs One-Year Deal with Cleveland Cavaliers

How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

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First reported by N12 · Jul 25, 2026

What happened

Croatian forward Mario Hezonja is returning to the NBA after six years, signing a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He leaves Real Madrid after four seasons and a EuroLeague title, having previously played five NBA seasons. Hezonja was also sought by European teams including Hapoel Tel Aviv before finalizing his NBA return.

01Mario Hezonja signs a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
02He leaves Real Madrid after four seasons and a EuroLeague championship.
03Hezonja played five NBA seasons previously with Orlando, New York, and Portland.
04He secured a buyout from Real Madrid allowing him to return to the NBA.
05He was also pursued by European teams, including Hapoel Tel Aviv.
06Hezonja has been a top EuroLeague player since returning to Europe in 2020.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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